Kathryn Lemaster

Art and Design

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Archives for March 2015

Unstyled: A beautiful mess

Everyone loves a beautifully styled photo. I’m the queen of taking 15 minutes and 12 shots with my iPhone just to get that perfect “selfie” of my coffee cup, complete with the morning sunlight streaming in to highlight the steam coming off the top… #coffeesesh #cupojoe #goodmorning #mycoffeewokeuplikethis … you know the drill. We like pretty pictures of pretty things.

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Plus, styling is fun! Maddening as it can be, I love focusing on details, so I love the tweaking, fluffing, centering, taking away, adding more – whatever the equation is to get the desired composition in frame. It’s an art form. Toss the throw (throw the throw?) over the sofa this way – no, it looks better that way – okay now just two inches to the left – nope now it’s covering the pillow. Let’s just scratch the throw all together…

That’s art though. When it comes to reality, who actually lives in a perfectly styled or even clean house all the time? Somebody? Anybody? If that’s you, I’d really like to know your secret because 99% of the time my house is a complete disaster zone! My friends and family will be the first to tell you that. Because life is crazy. When I’m short on time (which is always…) and something has to give – the people in my life will always take priority over the places, spaces and things. Laundry will stack up to ridiculous heights. My desk becomes buried under piles. Name a surface – it probably hasn’t been dusted. The cute coaster and candle vignette you saw in a picture has been replaced with the PS3 and TV remote and a coffee ring… where did the coasters go?

I wanted to stop comparing my imperfect home to all of the perfect ones I see in photos – even the photos of spaces I’ve created for others! Just like I shouldn’t compare myself to the seemly flawless, stick-figure thin fashion models. That’s art. Those are photos. This is reality. It’s important to be happy in your own skin and in your own home.

With that in mind, I snapped a few photos around my office and living room recently as an exercise. Could I candidly snap a single photo, with no rearranging, no fluffing or polishing, no straightening the drapes or moving the clutter – could I do that and not be embarrassed by the flaws and imperfections I see?

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With all the things I’m still critical of  on my own “to-do” list still to be done – could I just appreciate what’s there now, as is? I began to focus on the beautiful things about this photo. The tall windows, the natural light, some of my favorite colors, the sweet puppy curled up on the couch… hey… that’s actually a pretty beautiful sight! Remotes and all!

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I was surprised how much I loved these spaces when I actually stopped and looked at them in a candid state. I love the stories behind the things in the room, regardless of the “camera ready” status. I know my rug is crumpled. I know there’s a crack in my ceiling that needs to be covered with crown. Yet somehow when I look at these images, it just makes my heart really happy because there’s a story behind each and everything that i love in here. The garland left over from my best friend’s baby shower. The rainbow art I created on my front porch on a sunny day with a glass of wine when I just needed some art therapy. The sketch of Paris my sister brought back for me from her travels abroad. The bell jar light fixture my mom and dad helped me install. Even unstyled and in slight disarray – it’s a reflection of me and those I love, and that is what really amplifies the beauty!

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The blue velvet chairs that were my grandmother-in-law’s. The pillow I made that made me realize I’m not a seamstress. The side table I picked up on an estate sale adventure. The lovely antique desk I get to use while storing for some of my best friends. There’s so much to love in this photo – no styling needed!

Love the space you’re in – appreciate what you have. To-do lists, wish-lists, dreams and aspirations for your home are great – that’s why I have a job – I get to come in to help people achieve those dreams. But don’t let those things stop you from realizing and appreciating how beautiful your home is right now, when it’s put together or when it’s falling apart – because it’s a reflection of you and your real life.

Embrace the beautiful mess.

Rufus and Nellie sure have.

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(Yes, that’s a tear in the sofa cushion. That was the dogs contribution to making the room really look lived in. Thanks y’all, for helping me keep it real.)

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Souvenir
Fall Decor Inspiration: At Home in Arkansas front porch feature!

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Happy Friday my friends! It’s been a chilly week Happy Friday my friends! It’s been a chilly week around here with an ice storm yesterday, and snow in the forecast for next week, which is a central Arkansas rarity! ❄️ I hope wherever this finds you - that you are well, you are safe, you are warm.

May this aerial of peonies and coffee, reclaimed wood and sunlight, bring you peace and joy, as well as encourage you to switch up your perspective now and again. 🌸🌿☕️☀️🪵 

Consider what it’s like to walk in the other person’s shoes. Stretch yourself beyond the box of comfortable norms. 

If your usually a “big picture” thinker, try focusing on the joy of one small, beautiful detail. If you’re normally fixated on one thing in front of you, try stretching your sights to be in awe of the vast, grand(e) scheme. 

Do whatever it takes. Stand on the chair at the restaurant to see what birds can. Pull over and take a shot of that sunset through the sunroof (that’s what it’s for, right?).
 
Seeing things another way leads to new discoveries, opens new doors for connection, increases compassion, deepens empathy, grows adaptability, adds gratitude, wonder, and much more. 💝

Love y’all,
K

•

#pursuepretty #verilymoment #flashesofdelight #thehappynow #theartofslowliving #interiorinspo #homeimprovement #kjlartanddesign #interiordesign #interiordecor #interiorstyle #thatsdarling #personalgrowthjourney #dailywisdom #itsthelittlethingsinlife #peoniesaremyfavorite #peoniesofinstagram #coffeeflatlay #floralflatlay #flatlayfriday #flatlayoftheday #ihavethisthingwithflowers #reclaimedwood #farmtable #eatlocal #littlerockarkansas #boulevardbread
This #tuesdaytransformation brought to you by the This #tuesdaytransformation brought to you by the happy bright, white + blue breakfast room that’s an extension of the kitchen remodel from a few posts ago! 😄🙌🏼 (Check there to see how cute they coordinate together... 💙🤍) 

Swipe to see the “before” and construction photos. 😱 Yes. Drastic. I know. 

There to remind us yet again, that anything is possible. ✨ And that likely if it gets worse first, it’s because it’s about to get worlds better, because, #process. 🙃🙌🏼

Stay hopeful my friends. Warm and cozy, too! It’s about to get extra cold and icy here in Arkansas this week but - I imagine it’s because spring is just. around. the. corner. 😌🙏🏼💐

xo,
K

• 

@rettpeek 📷 
@steph.space 🌿🥭
@athomearkansas 📰 

#kjlartanddesign #interiordesign #interiorstyle #kitchenremodel #homeimprovement #interiorinspo #kitchendesign #breakfastroom #diningroomdecor #breakfastroomdecor #kitchengoals #homesweethome #interiordecor #interiorinspo #diydesign #theartofslowliving #thehappynow #flashesofdelight #diyhomedecor #verilymoment #thatsdarling #pursuepretty #homeimprovement #dreamkitchen #tuliptable #vintagechairs #scoutstudio #scoutdallas
Today I want to introduce you to @monarch61project Today I want to introduce you to @monarch61project - a project near and dear to our hearts for many reasons.💞 Toward the end last summer, @emmilyy23 and I had the honor of partnering with this new nonprofit to design their amazing new space for women to heal and connect in!! 

Inspired by the mission in Isaiah 61 (my favorite book!) “to heal the broken-hearted” - this place will be a place of hope, healing, community, and support for all who enter their doors. 🦋 

This haven will include a cafe, marketplace, creative arts studio, wellness studio for yoga, self defense classes, therapy rooms that will convert to cozy bedrooms if a safe place to stay overnight as needed, a beauty bar, spacious laundry room and kitchen, and more!!! ✨ 

Swipe to learn more and catch sneak peeks from their design presentation! Follow @monarch61project here and on Facebook to help support them and get the word out! Reach out to @chefmarynicole or @stirredmarybec to learn how you can donate toward the warehouse renovation costs to help this vision become a reality! 

If you or someone you know have experienced trauma of any kind, including the trauma of being a victim of abuse of any kind (and yes, spiritual / emotional / verbal / psychological too) know that you are not alone. I am here for you. This is a safe place. You do not have to process and heal alone. 

Whether you’re a woman who could benefit from connecting through Monarch61 with other ladies who’ve been through a similar hell, or a man who can relate to any of the above and just need someone to sit with you and hear your story - I am personally here for you, and have walked with friends, ladies and gents, through challenging stories of many kinds. Yours is every bit as valid and deserving of being heard and held. You have an advocate and friend here, and can message me any time. 

If you need help defining what trauma or abuse is, please oh please, ask me. I will help you find the answers. Being able to name your experience is the beginning step toward more wholeness. 

You are loved, treasured, and myself and other safe people as I have come to discern them, are here to surround you with so much love and support. 💝
On this wonderful Wednesday, I bring you a winning On this wonderful Wednesday, I bring you a winning Kitchen before + after! 🤍💙 Swipe to see the “before” of this view (and swipe again to see a fun little initial thumbnail sketch from early on in the design process!)

Going back to the “before” had me thinking about process. Oofph. Sometimes “the process” can be grueling and discouraging. Often, it must get worst before it gets better, or as a friend recently reminded me “sometimes you have to take one step back to be able to go two steps forward.” But that is how we arrive at the “after” stronger, better, more lovely in time. Slow and steady. Hold the vision, do the work, take the steps. The “after” will be reached in it’s perfect time. 😉

Whether it’s a home remodel, a health journey, a relationship you’re building, inner healing you’re braving, a dream you’re leaping for, an opportunity you’re waiting for - remember that there’s One who sees and knows you and this process. One who works along side of us to bring the vision about. One who promises to “make all things beautiful in their time”. 

Whatever process you’re beginning or in the midst of, don’t be afraid of what you see walking in on the proverbial start day, or on demo day when you take that “worse” step back, hit delays, or even lose sight of the original vision. There is One who remains steadfast and holds our hands even on days we’re unsure what the heck we got ourselves in to or where it’s going. One who promises to “be faithful to complete the work He began” and helps us do the same.

Remember what it’s all for. Remember where you’re headed with it and why. Have faith. Do your work. Stay the course! It will be worth it, m’dears.

Cheering for you always! 📣
#tbt to warm sunshine and hot coffee on a crisp da #tbt to warm sunshine and hot coffee on a crisp day at @fortsmithcoffeeco with my partner in design @emmilyy23 . 
☕️🌸☕️ 

Wherever you are today, I hope you keep your heart-eyes open, eager and expectant for the little gifts today holds. 😊 Be it the foam art in your coffee, the way the sunlight will surprisingly find you, or the dandelion that smiles at you from the curb. With gratitude and wonder, may you collect these little moments like big treasure. 

•

#kjlartanddesign #goodmorning #itsthelittlethings #thatsdarling #itsallinthedetails #cheerstoyou #coffeeshopvibes #coffeesesh #coffeetime #coffeeshop #coffeeart #foamart #rusticindustrial #modernrustic #interiordesign #interiordecor #thatsdarling #verilymoment #flatlayoftheday #flatlayphotography #photostyling #interiorstyle #newmorningmercies #fortsmith #fortsmitharkansas #shoplocal #eatlocal
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It is a delight to work with Kathryn LeMaster. She is a good listener who has been able to help us transition into a smaller home while still keeping the essence of our family intact.

- CINDI C.

My husband and I decided to update our house focusing on the kitchen and bathrooms. We were so impressed from the beginning with Kathryn! She was easy to work with and took our vision and made it all come together! She was extremely professional and we highly recommend her. Thanks Kathryn!! We couldn't be happier!!!

- LAURA D.

I have been doing business with Kathryn for several years, where she had played an integral role to enhance the quality and appeal of the visual impact of our furniture in TV commercial s. She independently picks products that perfectly match each commercial. She is also an absolute pleasure to work with. She is flexible when needed, and always has a positive disposition.

- LAWRENCE ZIGERELLI, PRESIDENT/CEO, FFO HOME

We asked Kathryn to create sets for a food shoot with multiple items. She created sets with for each dish and had them passed them off with the client who was out of town. She was extremely organized and methodical about how she purchased and approved each set. Not only was her work exceptional, her presence made the client feel at ease.

- DERO SANFORD, OWNER, THINKDERO

We highly recommend Kathryn. She listened to us as her clients and executed ideas based upon our design style. We had bought a new house and asked her to help us furnish, design, and style It. We appreciated her detailed drawings and ability to "show" us the vision and plan. She is quick to respond and allows for flexibility based upon timeline needs. Once deciding together on budget, she works toward that goal. She is a lot of fun to work with!

- CHRISTY H.

Kathryn assisted me in styling and accessorizing our new home. She nailed my design ideas and style based on the questionnaire and my comments. I was amazed at how she was able to match my style exactly! It would have taken me years to accomplish what she accomplished in one day. I would highly recommend her and look forward to working with her again in the future.

- BEVERLY R.

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